On the eve of one of their most important fixtures this season, Manchester United received an encouraging sight at Carrington. Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt both returned to full training on Wednesday, raising hopes they might feature in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao.
The session came just hours before the team was due to travel to Spain. While there’s no official word yet on whether either player will make the trip, their presence on the pitch sent a clear message: United are not giving up on their European campaign just yet.
Back from the Brink
Diallo has been out since February with ankle ligament damage. For weeks, there were doubts over whether he would return before the end of the season. But his sharp movements in training alongside Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho suggested a player itching to be involved.
“It’s a huge lift,” said a source close to the squad. “He’s been desperate to get back and help.”
De Ligt, meanwhile, has missed the last six matches with a muscle injury. The Dutch defender has struggled to find rhythm since arriving at Old Trafford, but his return gives manager Erik ten Hag a much-needed option at the back — especially with Lisandro Martínez ruled out for the remainder of the season.
A Youthful Edge
Wednesday’s session also featured a host of United’s young prospects. Teenagers Bendito Mantato, Sekou Kone and Jaydan Kamason joined the senior team, offering a glimpse of the club’s future. Seventeen-year-old striker Chido Obi also trained but is ineligible for the Europa League after being left out of United’s squad list earlier in the season.
Ayden Heaven was absent, while midfielder Toby Collyer trained alone as he continues his recovery.
The return of Diallo and De Ligt, however, dominated conversation — not just for their individual talent, but for what their recovery represents.
Injury Woes Persist
Despite the positive signs, United’s injury list remains troubling. Lisandro Martínez and Joshua Zirkzee are out for the rest of the campaign, and Diogo Dalot is also facing a possible season-ending calf problem.
Those setbacks leave United’s squad stretched heading into a crucial fixture at San Mamés — one of European football’s most unforgiving stadiums. Bilbao have been unbeaten at home in this Europa League campaign and will pose a stern test for a United side that has struggled for consistency.
Amorim Keeps Cards Close
Head coach Rúben Amorim, who is expected to speak at Wednesday night’s press conference alongside midfielder Manuel Ugarte, has been tight-lipped about his selection plans. The Portuguese manager is likely to wait until the last moment to decide if Diallo or De Ligt will travel.
Thursday’s semi-final marks the first meeting between the clubs in over a decade. United are aiming to reach the Europa League final in Dublin on 21 May, where they would face either Tottenham Hotspur or Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.
There’s plenty still to play for. But with senior names returning just in time, United may feel they’ve regained a fraction of control in what’s been a wildly unpredictable season.
